SA ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY:   Under the supervision of the Substance Abuse Clinical Director, the Substance Abuse Assessment Specialist conducts thorough intake interviews and screenings in order to determine the applicants’ primary diagnosis and eligibility for substance use treatment. The assessment specialist coordinates the admission of clients eligible to enter the Franklin Primary Health Center’s substance abuse treatment program and coordinates referrals to other certified agencies for individuals who are not appropriate for Franklin Primary programs. The assessment specialist ensures that client selection and admittance is compliant with the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s administrative code and assigns clients to an individual counselor in a fair and equitable manner, ensuring that counselor caseloads are evenly managed. In addition, the assessment specialist manages a reduced caseload of 15-20 clients, providing therapy and therapeutic services as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position description.

1. Determines applicants’ eligibility for substance abuse treatment within Franklin Primary’s substance abuse program or elsewhere by conducting thorough intake interviews and screening assessments to collect and record pertinent information about the applicants’ background and need for rehabilitation.
2. Responsible for making a cursory evaluation prior to admission of each client, observing the program’s admission and readmission policies.
3. Prepares the Adult Placement Assessment for each individual.
4. Inputs client information into both FPHC EPIC system and the Department of Mental Health FEI system, throughout the client’s admission in the program
5. Ensures the maintenance and security of all client files; files case records, records interview summaries, and verifies information.
6. Develops initial treatment plans and recommends clients for internal and external programs.
7. Collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of clinical services.
8. Assists clients in completing necessary paperwork including problems, goals, objectives, and interventions.
9. Completes orientation check-off form and obtains release of information forms when appropriate.
10. Prepares, maintains, and/or assists in reviewing case records and logs all applicants; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
11. Serves as liaison to outside agencies in order to refer clients to outside programs; maintains awareness of comparable agencies and changes, norms, and practices in the substance abuse community.
12. Performs crisis intervention counseling for walk-in clients and families focusing on the immediate problem and assessing the situation, determining their motivation for help, and designating appropriate resources for referral for short term and/or long-term counseling and additional services.
13. Maintains a reduced caseload of clients admitted to treatment services (15-20) clients.
14. Completes all required documentation for client caseload of individual sessions, family sessions, referral contacts, and therapeutic treatment.
15. Utilizes evidence-based counseling techniques including but not limited to motivational interviewing, 12 Step counseling, cognitive therapy techniques; coordinates referrals for more intensive treatment if needed.
16. Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and know how to de-escalate or resolve the situation.
17. Records and prepares statistical records reflecting the number of interviews conducted, clients admitted to the Center as well as their participation in Center programs; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
18. Attends and participates in all staff, production, and clinical meetings or other scheduled meetings as assigned.
19. Participates in staff trainings and ongoing supervision.
20. Assists the Clinical Director with case plan review and authorization; assists in providing training for counselors as requested.
21. Responsible for the delivery and documentation of clinical services for program clients.
22. Will provide services as delineated in the most recent version of the ADMH Substance Abuse Services Billing Manual as published and maintained by ADMH.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Technical knowledge in understanding and articulating technical concepts and information that relate to the disorder(s) treated and the therapies used to provide substance abuse treatment. Recognizes signs and symptoms of substance abuse needs and co-occurring disorders related to the population served.

Cultural awareness in the delivery of services to a diverse population. Understands and can articulate the psychological, sociological, and political aspects of providing Mental Health/Co-Occurring Disorder/Substance Abuse services to diverse populations. Ability to communicate and provide competent and appropriate services to a diverse population.

Analytical skill in evaluating person receiving services. Understanding psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and developmental issues, and interprets evaluative instruments correctly in order to accurately reflect the individual’s strengths, preferences, and needs.

Interpersonal skills are the ability to establish rapport, openness, and trust. Ability to interact effectively with individuals, families, and involved agencies to promote active treatment and relapse prevention.

Communication skills ability to effectively formulate and clearly articulate ideas in both verbal and written form. The ability to effectively interpret and convey verbal and non-verbal information through appropriate means for the individual and the population served.

Planning/Organization of work ability to develop more complex programs of treatment with specific goals and objectives. Ability to monitor and modify programs. Ability to evaluate client needs and determine type of services/programs to provide. Ability to assign work to subordinate staff, if any. Ability to make strategic plans for program.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REQUIREMENTS: Must provide quality customer satisfaction to patients, volunteers, visitors, and co-workers at all times in a professional and courteous manner.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:  The health and safety requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Must adhere to safety regulations, personnel policies, and procedures.
2. Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.
3. Maintain yearly health maintenance records by obtaining TB skin testing and completion of the hepatitis series.

PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
2. Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:  The Substance Abuse Clinical Director will evaluate performance annually, wherein a satisfactory overall rating is considered a minimum acceptable level of performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

1. An individual licensed in the state as a:
   1. Professional Counselor, Graduate Level Social Worker, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, Physician’s Assistant, Physician; or
2. An individual who:
   1. Possesses at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, counseling, or other behavioral health area with requisite course work equivalent to that of a degree in counseling, psychology, social work or psychiatric nursing and has successfully completed a clinical practicum and/or an individual with substance abuse counselor certification credential from the Alabama Association of Addiction Counselors, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. This shall be obtained within thirty (30) months of date of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of case management practices and services to evaluate patient care.  Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations and procedures to administer assessment and treatment plans for patient care is required.  Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public are required.  Skills are required in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence.  Abilities to maintain quality control standards.  Abilities to interpret, adapt and apply program guidelines and procedures. Must possess the ability to communicate clearly and maintain confidentiality.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  Possession of a valid driver's license, access to a private vehicle for day-to-day job performance and auto liability insurance.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

1.            Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.

2.            Must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely; and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

3.            Must be able to communicate, written and orally, information to clients and staff.